What is This Trend Anyway?
The trend is as simple as it sounds: take a scoop of good-quality vanilla ice cream, drizzle it with extra virgin olive oil, and finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. While it might seem like a bizarre combination dreamed up for social media clicks,
the result is a sophisticated dessert that plays on contrasts. You get the cold, creamy sweetness of the ice cream, the rich, buttery, and often peppery notes of the olive oil, and the sharp, crunchy burst of saltiness. The olive oil, when it hits the cold ice cream, thickens into a silky, buttery coating that melts on your tongue, creating a luxurious mouthfeel that’s completely different from typical sugary sauces.
A Classic, Not a TikTok Invention
Although its recent virality can be traced to social media influencers and a mention from pop star Dua Lipa, this combination is far from new. The practice has deep roots in Mediterranean cuisine, particularly in Italy, where 'gelato con olio e sale' has been a known treat for years. High-end chefs and restaurants have also been serving versions of this dessert for over a decade, appreciating how it elevates a simple scoop into something complex and memorable. For instance, New York City's Big Gay Ice Cream was serving it from their truck as early as 2009, introducing it to a wider American audience long before it became a TikTok sensation.
The Science of Deliciousness
There's a reason this trio works so well, and it comes down to basic flavour science. The combination hits multiple sensory notes at once. First, there's the interplay of sweet and salty, a classic pairing known to enhance flavour. The salt actually suppresses bitterness and makes the sweetness of the ice cream pop even more. Then there’s the richness factor: pairing fat (from the ice cream) with another fat (the olive oil) creates an incredibly unctuous and satisfying texture. Finally, a good, robust olive oil introduces grassy, fruity, or peppery notes that cut through the simple sweetness of the vanilla, adding a layer of complexity you wouldn't get otherwise. It transforms a one-note dessert into a multi-dimensional experience.
Why It's Taking Over Your Feed
So if it's been around for ages, why is it viral now? The answer lies in its perfect storm of social media appeal. The trend was given a massive boost when singer Dua Lipa championed the combination, calling it her favourite way to eat ice cream. Influencers on platforms like TikTok quickly picked it up, where its visual appeal—the glossy drizzle of oil, the sparkling salt—makes for an irresistible video. Furthermore, it’s an accessible form of gourmet indulgence. It requires only three ingredients, most of which people might already have, yet it feels elevated and chef-inspired. This combination of celebrity endorsement, visual allure, and low-effort luxury created the perfect recipe for a viral food trend.
How to Perfect It at Home
Ready to try it? The key is to use high-quality ingredients, as there's nowhere for them to hide. Start with a simple but high-quality vanilla bean ice cream; you want a clean canvas. For the olive oil, choose a good extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)—this is not the time for your regular cooking oil. Look for one with a fruity, peppery, or grassy flavour profile that you enjoy on its own; Spanish Arbequina or a robust Greek or Italian oil are great choices. Finally, use a flaky sea salt, like Maldon or fleur de sel. The texture is just as important as the taste, and the delicate crunch of flaky salt is essential. Drizzle about a tablespoon of oil over a scoop or two of ice cream and finish with a pinch of salt.
